Van
Bert Farms is owned by the Derickson Family, the establishment is now
being operated by the fifth generation. Van Bert Farms breeds, sells
and trains; Rocky Mountain
Horses,
Kentucky Mountain Horses, Mountain Pleasure
Horsesand Pleasure Walking
Horses. The Farm consists of over 200 acres near the quaint little town
of Stanton, Kentucky. Van Bert Farms has been operating as aKentucky horse farmfor 152 years and full serviceequine training facilitysince
1965. The farm is encircled by the Red River and the picturesque
Appalachian Foothills making this part of the beautiful Kentucky Red River
Valley.

Because of the beauty of this area many natural
sites attract visitors from all over the world. More than 200 natural
bridges are found in this part of Kentucky. Natural Bridge State
Park is within 15 miles of Van Bert Farms, and is famous for the
largest natural arches. The Park offers tourist miles of hiking trails, camp
sites and fishing. The Red River
Gorge is also a main attraction to visitors to our area, it has
aptly been dubbed as the "little grand canyon" and is within 12 miles
of Van Bert Farms. Van Bert Farms trainers often ride the beautiful trails and gorges there.

Thoroughbreds are not the only part of the
Kentucky Horse Industry. Trail Pleasure Horses dominate sales in the
state of KY. The Mountain Horse industry encompasses several registries; Rocky,
Kentucky, and Mountain Pleasure. Spotted Mountain Horses are also
registered in the Kentucky Mountain Association. The three associations
essentially possess the same traits of a smooth even four beat gait a
temperament that is willing and docile is exhibited through-out the
breed. The breed has the ability to maintain form and stamina while
carrying their rider over long distances and rough terrain. If your
knees and back are preventing you from riding, the Mountain Horse has
proven that you can once again get back in the saddle and enjoy the
"horse" .

Mountain Horses are native to
eastern Kentucky and have always been a part of the Appalachian life.
Economic times have never been easy for families of eastern Kentucky
but the Mountain Horse has always been a part of the heritage of hard
work, good times and survival. The "Mountain Horses" were used in the
logwoods and the mines yet they were expected to be the horse that
would allow small children to ride them to the "fishing hole" on
Saturday and pull the buggy to church on Sunday. My father speaks of a
mare named "Dinna" as if she
were part of the family, she lived to be over 30 years of age. The Mountain Horse can be part of your family as well.

Van Bert Farms is proud to be part
of this treasured Kentucky heritage with the pride in breeding,
training and selling of the Rocky, KY or Mountain Pleasure Horses. Van
Bert Farms offers over 200 head of horses that include; Mares,Stallions,Geldings,
Yearlings, and Weanlings for sale at all times. The farm has top quality horses and some of the best trainers in the
industry. If you want to be in the arena, trail competitions or you love the trail
rides, "we can bring you together with your dream horse."

Plan a visit to our facility and see this wonderful horse for yourself
and while you are here plan to experience some of the greatest natural
beauty this country has to offer.